GoD: THQ Acquires Universomo

Developer and publisher THQ has announced that it has acquired mobile game development studio Universomo. Based in Finland, Universomo has been performing mobile game development for game publishers since 2002. The company's recent projects include Rollercoaster Rush, 300: The Mobile Game, LEGO Star Wars I & II and Emergency Mayhem. Universomo's proprietary game development environment and automated porting solution supports major wireless platforms including Brew, CDMA, GSM, Java, and others across over 700 handsets. "Bringing cross-platform mobile development capabilities in-house is a key component in our growth strategy," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "The combination of Universomo's award-winning creative development skills and their proven porting solution will enable new technology efficiencies for THQ Wireless, giving us the scalability to focus on building both our cornerstone brands and new, owned properties across Europe, Asia and North America." "THQ's global publishing footprint and leading brand portfolio made them a natural fit for Universomo," said Markku Hakkala, Managing Director, Universomo. "The easy integration of Universomo's development and technology means that we are on track to take full advantage of continued market growth opportunities worldwide." [Further coverage of mobile game news and features is available at new CMP Game Group site GamesOnDeck, from which this story is cross-posted.]